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Community Conversation To Feature Panel Discussion

We ACT, a nonprofit Mansfield organization, will sponsor a public “Community Conversation: How to Work Together for a Better Community” from 2 to 4 PM this Saturday in the Mansfield Senior High School auditorium.

Angel Ross-Taylor, co-founder of We ACT, said the panel discussion will include:Officer Peter Casuccio of the Columbus Police Department who made national news for not shooting two black boys, ages 11 and 13, after he received a call about two black males flashing a gun. Casuccio was seen on his body camera scolding the boys for what could have been a tragic situation. Saturday will be the first time Casuccio has shared the story with a live audience.

Carlos Christian, who served 10 years in prison, but now is dedicated to rehabilitation of others. He earned a degree in business management, has authored two books and started a nonprofit organization aimed at combating the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend.

Nicole Blakley, a former law enforcement officer, who will describe conversations with her white and black sons about race and policing.

Kay Smith, a community organizer for the nonprofit North End Community Improvement Cooperative and coordinator for M-CAV, the focused deterrence program with the Mansfield Police Department. She also created Mothers Against Violence after her brother was killed due to gun violence.

Jaylen Scott, a sophomore at Madison Comprehensive High School, who is active in school and his church. He will be the panel’s youth representative.

On its website, We ACT describes itself as “a community organization that will respond to community needs when we can where we can and how we can with love, peace, respect and understanding.”